The game started out extremely sloppy as it downpoured for the whole first half. The ball

would skid off of the turf, making the game play faster than it already was. The first big chance came 15 minutes in when Rodrigo Frietas struck a stunning volley that the keeper saved.

Watertown kept up its pressure and was all over Burlington for the first half. The Raiders were inches from taking when striker Alex Egan had a shot that struck the crossbar.

With Burlington unsure of what to do since it couldn’t leave their half, the first half ended nil-nil. Ten minutes later, the last 40 minutes began.

As soon as the second half started, Burlington was stuck again in their own half. Watertown now just needed to score. That’s when senior Ruben Sara stepped up and put one in the back of the net. The ball went to Sara in the box and appeared that it struck Sara’s hand, almost as if he was holding it. He would easily finish from 6 yards out. The goal counted as the officials didn’t see it, leaving Burlington players furious.

One of the few times the ball went in the Watertown half, multiple Burlington players rushed at Enrique Duarte. The Watertown defender went down holding his head in pain. He would go off and not return in this game. All are hope it is nothing too serious.

Watertown soon after got another goal, which would put Burlington away. Paulo Costa got the ball and beat two defenders before putting a shot on net that the keeper would save. The rebound went straight in front of the goal, which Egan tapped in to make it 2-0.

Raider Times photo / Jeffrey BeggCoach Chris Calden gets Devon Breen ready before the Watertown High goalie would help blank Burlington, 3-0, at Victory Field on Sept. 25, 2018.

Costa wasn’t the only man with outstanding skill this game. Egan was dribbling on the wing when he made a Burlington defender literally drop, leaving his ankles on the 20-yard line. The Burlington defenders weren’t ready for the Watertown forwards this game.

With 15 minutes left in the game, Egan pushed for another as he hit the crossbar again. He had another shot that was deflected and go straight to Frietas, who finished in the bottom corner, making it a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.

Injuries for Watertown were a huge problem in this game. Watertown defender Cody Begg was hit by a Burlington player and went down with little left in the game, clenching his hip. He will most likely return to training, ready to go with his hip wrapped. If you see a mummy in Watertown, don’t panic, it is only Cody Begg.

The Raiders’ next game is Thursday, Sept. 27, vs Wilmington at Victory Field at 6 p.m. Come and support the boys!

Raider Times photo / Jeffrey BeggWatertown huddles up and talks tactics before the game. The Raiders would put them to good use, beating Burlington, 3-0, at Victory Field on Sept. 25, 2018.